Part of this spring's Arcade Next release promotion.

Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition will be released via Xbox LIVE Arcade on May 9, priced 1,600 MS Points, Microsoft has announced.

The hugely successful indie game closes out a string of XBLA titles which form Microsoft's Arcade Next promotion. Beginning April 18 with Trials Evolution, a new downloadable title will launch on Xbox LIVE Arcade from Microsoft Studios every Wednesday, through May 9.

Trials Evolution, April 18 for 1200 Microsoft Points

Trials Evolution is on every front, the next dimension of the smash-hit, award-winning Trials HD. Bust out of the warehouse into an outdoor world of night and day, curved driving lines, and spectacular scenery. Multiplayer comes alive in your living room or on Xbox LIVE. Build your own tracks with the in-game editor or download those of any other player from the new Track Central. Customise your bike and rider with awesome gear and unique parts, enjoy innovative skill games, try ghost racing, beat your friends’ scores and more! Don’t miss the madness!

Bloodforge, April 25 for 1200 Microsoft Points

With a brutal combat system, stunning art style, and a deeply compelling story, Bloodforge empowers you to slaughter hordes of demonic soldiers, deformed worshippers, and the gods themselves, using ferocious Rage Kills, devastating Rune attacks, and furious Weapon Combos. Help seal Crom’s fate – and the fate of the rest of the world – in this dark, visceral story of revenge, betrayal, and destiny.

Fable Heroes, May 2 for 800 Microsoft Points

Fable Heroes is an action-packed, hack-and-slash adventure built for Xbox LIVE Arcade. It delivers a fresh spin on the Fable franchise with a unique art style and gameplay that takes playful competition to the next level. Whether on the couch or using Xbox LIVE, up to four players work together to defeat enemies while also competing with one another to collect gold coins and level up. Precious gold collected in Fable Heroes can be imported into the forthcoming Kinect title, Fable: The Journey, providing players with a valuable head start from day one.

Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition, May 9 for 1600 Microsoft Points

The infinite possibilities in Minecraft just got bigger. Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition brings the global phenomenon to console gamers for the first time. The Xbox LIVE Arcade version of the game features an innovative new crafting interface, natural controller movements, a full Tutorial mode to teach the basics and for the first time in Minecraft, split-screen multiplayer as well as over Xbox LIVE.

VideoGamer.com Analysis

Any other game and we'd baulk at the 1,600 MS Points asking price, but for Minecraft that's probably justifiable.